Practicing Christian Leadership, Mentor's Guide, MG11

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P R A C T I C I N G C H R I S T I A N L E A D E R S H I P

Christian leadership is representation. As our Lord Jesus Christ represented the Father in all that he said and did while on the earth, so we, following his example, represent him in all that we do. Christian leadership is about the authority of Jesus, and the one who is unwilling to follow Jesus loses all right to serve and care for the members of his body in their own leadership. What is interesting about this, is that it works also for those who respond to the leader. In other words, if you are truly representing the Lord Jesus, then the one who rejects your word is rejecting him, and according to Christ’s own testimony, also rejecting the Father who sent our Lord. The entire vision of Christian leadership is anchored therefore on a simple but profound idea: leadership is representation. No Christian leader can function on the basis of their own authority, power, and position. It is not gifting or resources or education or brilliance that makes a Christian leader legitimate. It is the call of God. If God has called a man or woman to represent him, then they must act as God’s ambassador, God’s representative, God’s diplomat. We speak his words, represent his interests, share his burdens, carry out his commands. The emerging Christian leader who learns this lesson will not only carry out their ministry with dignity and excellence, but they will also open themselves up to be used by the Lord to transform others. In order to be God’s leader, learn how to represent. After reciting and/or singing the Nicene Creed (located in the Appendix), pray the following prayer: You sent your Son Jesus Christ, who came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many. We praise you that he calls his faithful servants to lead your holy people in love; to proclaim yourWord and to celebrate the sacraments of the new covenant.

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Nicene Creed and Prayer

~ Presbyterian Church (USA) and Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Book of Common Worship . Louisville: Westminister/John Knox Press, 1993. p. 137

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